Get online and get cooking Canada! Aspiring chefs and foodies across the country have been salivating at the prospect of being crowned Canada’s first MasterChef since the announcement that CTV ordered MasterChef Canada for a winter 2014 debut. Beginning today, Canadians can go online and submit an application for their chance to be a part of the Canadian version of the internationally acclaimed series. Deadline for entries is Thursday, July 25.

“Given the overwhelming success of MasterChef Canada’s international counterparts, we couldn’t be more excited to put a Canadian garnish on the world’s #1 culinary television format,” said Phil King, President, CTV Programming and Sports. “Canadians have been waiting for an opportunity like this and we look forward to discovering the diverse culinary talent from across the country.”

Auditioning for MasterChef Canada is as easy as pie! Potential hopefuls can visit MasterChef Canada Online and follow the links for full casting details and FAQs. A recent photo is required, and applicants are welcome to submit a video that demonstrates skill, while expressing their passion for cooking.

Applicants must be amateur chefs, and cannot ever have worked as a professional chef.

Competitors must be at least 19 years of age by September 1, 2013.

Competitors must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada.

MasterChef Canada provides an opportunity for Canadian amateur chefs to develop their culinary skills as they compete for the MasterChef Canada title. Thousands of applicants will be whittled down to 50 semifinalists who will then present their signature dish to the judges in hopes of winning one of the coveted MasterChef aprons. In keeping with the MasterChef format, the contestants will face individual and team-based cooking challenges, which result in one or more home cooks being eliminated each week, until finally Canada’s first MasterChef is crowned.

MasterChefis recognized as one of the most-successful primetime entertainment formats in the world. Now produced in over 40 countries, the series is watched in more than 200 territories worldwide. “This is an extraordinary opportunity to celebrate Canada’s vibrant and multicultural food scene and the home cooks that feed it (and us!),” said Cathie James, Vice-President and Creative Director for Proper Television.

With production starting this fall, President of Proper Television, Guy O’Sullivan will executive produce the series, along with Proper’s Vice-President and Creative Director Cathie James. Shine America’s Paul Franklin will serve as a Creative Consultant. Robin Johnston is the CTV Production Executive. Corrie Coe is Senior Vice-President, Independent Production, Bell Media. Mike Cosentino is Senior Vice-President, Programming, CTV Networks. Phil King is President, CTV Programming and Sports.